309: Chapter 244: Disguised Infiltration, Using Family Techniques to Impersonate a Merchant Caravan

The twenty-four-hour preparation time was both urgent and agonizingly long.

The five-man team had a clear division of labor. Under the guidance of two experts sent by the "Night Shadow" unit—one a Great Master of disguise and the other an expert in survival behind enemy lines—they began intense pre-departure preparations. All equipment, supplies, and disguise props were prepared with maximum efficiency.

【Material Preparation List (Partial)】:

Vehicle: One [Modified Stealth Cargo Ship (One-time use/Rare)]. From the Night Shadow unit's inventory, its exterior is dilapidated, resembling a scrapped Astral wandering merchant ship. The interior has undergone special treatment; engine noise is extremely low, energy fluctuations are concealed, and it is loaded with short-range spatial jumping and short-term optical/rule camouflage functions (each use consumes massive energy and has a time limit). The cargo hold has been expanded and treated for shock absorption, capable of accommodating a large amount of goods and hidden subordinate units. It is unarmed (for the sake of the disguise).

Disguise Props:

[Shapeshifting Talismanic Incantation (Excellent) · Orc Version] x5: Can temporarily change the wearer's appearance, physique, and aura, simulating a specific Orc race (Greenskin, Blackrock, Brownskin, etc.). Duration is 24 hours, with a 12-hour cooldown. It cannot simulate Soul fluctuations or special powers; users must adjust their behavior and mannerisms themselves. Provided by the Great Master of disguise.

[Breath-Concealing Orb (Rare)] x5: Can significantly suppress Divine Power and Divine Fire fluctuations, simulating a lower energy level (approximately the level of a LV50-LV100 Demigod or Legendary creature), and comes with a weak environmental camouflage effect. Its effectiveness against deliberate close-range detection by Mid-Tier Divine Power and above is reduced.

[Shaman Bone Ornaments and Totems (Replicas)] One set: Replicas of bone chains, feathers, and small totems commonly used by Orc Shamans. The workmanship is crude but the details are accurate, containing weak, processed natural/chaotic energy fluctuations (rushed by Li Mo's Mechanical Goblins in cooperation with Night Shadow experts), to be used by Lin Zhou when playing a Shaman.

[Orc-Style Clothing and Equipment] Several sets: Tattered leather armor, heavy fur cloaks, bracers with tribal insignias (replicas of common small tribes), and crude but practical weapons (axes, machetes, throwing spears).

Trade Goods:

[Refined Rock Salt (Excellent)] 50 large bags: Purified using School of Agriculture techniques from Lin Zhou's Divine Kingdom. Its quality far exceeds the coarse or bitter mineral salt usually used by Orcs. Snow-white and crystalline, it is a hard currency. Each bag is approximately 50kg.

[Sturdy Linen/Coarse Cotton Cloth (Excellent)] 100 bolts: Also produced in the Divine Kingdom. Tightly woven and wear-resistant, mostly in practical colors like gray, brown, and black. Suitable for making clothes, tents, and bundles.

[Inferior Ale (Common)] 20 large barrels: Cheap alcoholic beverages exchanged from the base's logistics department. The taste is rough but the potency is sufficient, making it very popular among low-level Orcs.

[Inferior Ironware (Common)] One batch: Including small knives, iron pots, nails, arrowheads, etc. The quality is average but the price is low.

[Specialty Trinkets (Common)] Several: Such as colored glass beads, small bells, and simple musical instruments, used to please the women and children in tribes or as conversation starters.

Intelligence and Knowledge Infusion:

[Broken Bone Star Domain · Red Rock Galaxy Surrounding Tribal Distribution and Relationship Map (Encrypted)]: Provided by the Night Shadow intelligence department, marking known Orc tribe locations, scales, approximate strengths, inter-tribal relationships (hostile, allied, vassal), specialties, and needs.

[Orc Common Tongue and Major Dialects Crash Course Memory Crystal (Rare)] x5: One-time use items that can directly imprint basic Orc language and common dialects (roughly equivalent to a human primary school graduate level) into consciousness. Used with [Civilization Enlightenment], mastery can be accelerated. Lin Zhou received an additional infusion of basic knowledge of common Shaman prayers and rituals.

[Wandering Caravan Behavior Patterns and Slang Guide]: Explained personally by the Great Master of disguise, including how to deal with Orcs, bargaining techniques, how to handle inspections, and how to explain the source of goods.

Emergency Equipment:

[Shadow Communication Runes (Team Bound)] x5: Already mentioned in Chapter 243.

[High-Energy Signal Jammer (Rare)] x1: Can temporarily block low-to-mid intensity energy detection and communication signals within a small area (100-meter radius). Short duration, high consumption.

[Emergency Healing Potion Set] x5.

[One-time Directional Spatial Warp Beacon (Epic)] x1: The final life-saving measure. Upon activation, it can forcibly open an unstable, short-range spatial channel to a preset safe coordinate (located somewhere in the conflict zone). However, it will cause massive spatial fluctuations, completely exposing them, and the success rate is affected by the surrounding spatial stability. Provided by the Night Shadow unit, to be used only in case of mission failure or desperate straits.

During the preparation process, Lin Zhou made a point to have in-depth discussions with Grom Benevolence. This wasn't just to understand Orc customs, but focused more on the status and behavioral characteristics of wandering caravans and outside Shamans in Orc society, as well as how to quickly gain the trust of low-level Orcs. Grom told him everything he knew and even simulated several common interrogation scenarios for Lin Zhou to practice. Lin Zhou also applied [Civilization Enlightenment] to Grom again, helping him recall and summarize this information more systematically and clearly, with significant results.

Once the twenty-four hours were up, the fully armed (disguised) five-man team, along with the loaded stealth cargo ship, stepped into the one-way teleportation array leading to the chaotic meteor belt on the outskirts of the Red Rock Galaxy under the complex gazes of the Night Shadow experts.

After a brief but violent spatial jolt, the cargo ship appeared in a region of space filled with slowly drifting meteors of various sizes and cold cosmic dust. In the distance, a dark red star emitted a dim light and heat; that was the sun of the Red Rock Galaxy. According to the star map, their target—the planet where the [blood sacrifice star gate] might exist—was in the fourth orbit of this star System, but it was not yet visible.

"Check the hull condition, activate minimum life support and concealment Systems," Lin Zhou ordered immediately.

"Engines normal, stealth coating intact, energy reserves at 93%," Li Mo reported.

"External environment scan... no direct threats. Background energy radiation is high, consistent with the characteristics of an Orc activity area. Distance to the nearest known Orc outpost is approximately 0.3 light-years," Qin Qing said, looking at the sensor data.

"Good. According to plan, we will first sail toward the inner part of the System and look for the first target tribe—a small trading post of the 'Rust Tooth Clan.' Remember our identities: we are the 'Shatterbones and Salt' wandering caravan from the distant 'Ashen Wasteland.' I am the caravan leader and accompanying Shaman 'Bone Speaker' Old Moque (Lin Zhou's disguise), and you are my guards and workers," Lin Zhou said in a low voice, while activating his [Shapeshifting Talismanic Incantation] and [Breath-Concealing Orb].

With a distortion of light and shadow, Lin Zhou's stature grew taller and became hunched. His skin turned deep green and became covered in wrinkles and scars. He wore messy feathers and bone ornaments on his head and was draped in a dirty fur robe painted with abstract totems, holding a gnarled wooden staff (inlaid with a replica beast tooth at the top). His aura became obscure and weak, carrying a hint of the flavor unique to Orc Shamans who commune with natural (chaotic) energy. This was not just the effect of the props; Lin Zhou also channeled a sliver of weak Divine Power to simulate the sense of "wear and tear" and "turbidity" in the Soul caused by long-term dealings with chaotic energy—a detail he had summarized after observing Grom and those previous Shamans.

Zhao Hao, Wang Meng, Li Mo, and Qin Qing also transformed, turning into four fierce-looking (or lean) but unremarkable Orc guards. They suppressed all Dragon Might, Behemoth savagery, mechanical precision, and Angelic Order, becoming as crude and alert as true Orc warriors.

The cargo ship turned off most of its external lights and powerful scanners, relying only on minimum navigation and stealth engines, slowly sailing toward the inner star System like a silent space anglerfish.

After sailing for two days and avoiding several areas suspected to be patrol routes, they finally discovered a crude "bazaar" near the satellite shadow zone of a small gas giant—a trading post of the Rust Tooth Clan made of several old spaceship wrecks and temporary metal platforms.

The cargo ship approached sluggishly, appearing weathered and low on energy. Immediately, two dilapidated Orc assault boats, welded with spikes and rams, pulled up. The Orc warriors on the boats brandished their weapons and shouted crude inquiries.

Lin Zhou (Bone Speaker Old Moque) pushed open the cargo door and walked tremblingly to the bow. In a raspy, aged Orc tongue with a distinct "Ashen Wasteland" peripheral accent, he shouted: "Yo-ho! Brothers of the Rust Tooth! Put away your teeth! The 'Shatterbones and Salt' caravan is passing through, bringing salt from afar, cloth, and good stuff that'll make your throats burn! We only ask for some supplies and to hear some news!"

As he shouted, he had Zhao Hao (disguised as a burly guard) bring out a half-opened bag of refined salt. The snow-white salt crystals shimmered with an enticing luster under the dim starlight. At the same time, Li Mo (disguised as a shrewd worker) timely opened a small barrel of ale, letting the inferior but strong aroma of alcohol waft out.

The warriors on the Orc assault boats were clearly stunned, their eyes fixed on the bag of snow-white salt and the drifting aroma of alcohol. In Orc society, high-quality salt and alcohol were always hard currency, especially for a remote, resource-poor small clan like the Rust Tooth.

"Old man, where are you from? Ashen Wasteland? That dump can produce salt this white?" an Orc who appeared to be a minor leader asked suspiciously, though his tone had softened considerably.

"Heh heh, Old Moque got lucky and found a pure salt vein in an ancient crypt. Not much, just enough for a few trips," Lin Zhou imitated the old Shaman's tone, a mix of cunning, humility, and a hint of mystery. "As for the wine, it was traded from a group of dwarf smugglers. It's rough, but it's got a kick! Brother, if you're worried, why not come up and check the goods? Or, have your boss come talk to us? We're willing to offer a little 'greeting gift'." As he spoke, he signaled Zhao Hao to scoop out a small bamboo tube of refined salt and hand it over.

The minor leader took the bamboo tube, dipped a finger in the salt, and put it in his mouth. His eyes instantly went wide! Pure! No bitterness! Better than any salt he had ever seen! He licked his lips, looked at his companions behind him, and then at the guards on the cargo ship who looked tough but seemed to follow the "rules" (not drawing weapons and taking the initiative to show goodwill).

"Wait here!" The minor leader turned around and babbled a report through a crude communicator. A moment later, an Orc officer wearing slightly better leather armor and missing an incisor (likely the trading post manager) boarded the assault boat.

Lin Zhou repeated the process. Through a series of negotiations, he emphasized the high quality and scarcity of the salt and cloth, and hinted that if the trade went well, they could establish a stable supply channel in the future (dangling a carrot). At the same time, his identity as a "Shaman" made it easier for him to gain a certain wariness and vague respect from some low-level officers—Shamans held a special status in Orc society, even if it was just a wandering Shaman.

Ultimately, after paying ten bags of salt, five bolts of cloth, and three barrels of wine as an "entry fee" and "gifts," the "Shatterbones and Salt" caravan was permitted to dock at the edge of the trading post and conduct limited trading.

The next two days became a practical classroom for School of Diplomacy rhetoric. Lin Zhou (Old Moque) led his "workers" around the crude bazaar, using salt, cloth, small ironware, and glass beads to exchange for the trading post's specialty, [Red Iron Ore Sand] (average quality), some beast hides, dried meat, and most importantly—intelligence.

They didn't ask about the Star Gate directly, but started with the most peripheral and least sensitive information.

"Brother, things don't seem very peaceful around here lately? A lot more big guys (referring to large Orc warships) coming and going?" Lin Zhou asked seemingly casually while exchanging a small bag of salt for a well-tanned piece of leather.

"Hmph, it's all for the 'Great Chieftain's Grand Plan'," the Orc leatherworker said, carefully putting away the salt and lowering his voice. "They're all moving supplies and manpower toward 'Red Rock 4'. Even a small place like ours had many good young lads taken away. Supposedly they're building a big altar or something there... we don't know the specifics, but it's pretty eerie. You can feel the energy fluctuations from far away."

"Red Rock 4..." Lin Zhou noted this key information; it was the code name for the target planet.

In the alcohol-reeking "tavern" (a larger ship wreck), Wang Meng (disguised as a booze-loving guard) used a few cups of cheap wine to coax more details out of a drunken Orc veteran: "Guards? Heh, it's tight! Not just elites from the Bone Crusher Clan (the dominant clan of the Red Rock Galaxy), but there are also 'Blood Oath Guards' from other big tribes! Shaman masters are everywhere... I have a distant nephew who was sent there as a laborer. He came back saying there's constant hammering and clanging, and the sky is filled with blood-light. It's terrifying!"

Qin Qing (disguised as a silent but observant guard) silently analyzed the frequency and direction of troop movements by observing the models, markings, and damage of the passing Orc ships. Li Mo (the worker) used trading opportunities to secretly leave miniature energy fluctuation recorders, disguised as pebbles, in several inconspicuous places, planning to recover them when they left to analyze recent energy activity trajectories in the area.

As a "Shaman," Lin Zhou was sometimes requested by minor leaders or curious Orcs to perform "blessings" or "interpret omens." Utilizing the basic knowledge infused by the Temple of Civilization and the rapid understanding of Orc thought patterns brought by [Civilization Enlightenment], he imitated the vague and mystical way Shamans spoke. He actually managed to fool them, even winning a bit of "prestige" with some "prophecies" based on natural observations (like star patterns and meteor flows), which made their intelligence gathering even smoother.

Five days later, they had already left the Rust Tooth Clan's trading post. Following the supply lines mentioned in the intelligence, they used similar disguises and trade methods to contact two more transit stations and small tribes closer to "Red Rock 4." Each contact gave them a clearer understanding of the Star Gate area's defenses, troop composition, and the internal atmosphere of the Orcs (tension, anticipation, and a hint of fear). Lin Zhou's portrayal of "Bone Speaker Old Moque" became increasingly proficient; his accent, mannerisms, and even that vague perception of energy and the eccentric temperament unique to Shamans were mimicked perfectly, never again raising any substantial suspicion.

The cargo ship sailed cautiously along increasingly dangerous routes, getting closer and closer to the planet "Red Rock 4," which emitted an ominous blood-red light. The massive silhouette of the Star Gate could already be seen as a blurry shadow through high-magnification observation equipment, even across the vast distance and thick atmosphere (if they could enter the atmosphere).

The first stage of the disguised infiltration, relying on the School of Diplomacy's "Horizontal and Vertical Alliances" (luring with profit, exchanging intelligence for intelligence, and blending into the environment), was already a success. Like a drop of water, they had quietly merged into the torrent of the Orc-controlled Star Domain, flowing silently toward the final goal—the blood sacrifice star gate.